The team lost Pro Bowler Asante Samuel and nickel back Randall Gay to free agency, leaving Ellis Hobbs at one corner and TBD on the other. That much is obvious. The solution? Not as obvious as you'd think.

On the one hand, New England can use pick No. 7 (or a later selection if the team chooses to trade down) and grab a cornerback in the first round. Fine.

However, if the Patriots knew they were going to spend top-10 money on a rookie corner, why didn't they just pony up for Samuel? It would have cost them more, but in terms of value, the price would have been more right.

The fact is, Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli would probably prefer not to spend big dough on a cornerback, either as a free agent or a draft pick.

The Pats have never taken a first-round corner under Belichick, instead finding gems in later rounds like Samuel (a third-rounder) and Hobbs (fourth). So, if you're anticipating a small, fast man stepping to the podium to accept a Patriots jersey on Saturday afternoon, you may have to adjust your expectations.

With two third-round picks, the Pats on are the clock three times between Nos. 62 and 94. So, they can look for a warm body in that area, or they could turn to one already on the roster.

Second-year safety Brandon Meriweather was indoctrinated into the Pats' positional merry-go-round last summer, when the team prepped him to play corner during Samuel's holdout. New England's approach to the secondary on draft day could be indicative of their feelings toward Meriweather moving to the corner.

If the Pats give a low priority to CBs on Saturday, that might suggest that they feel they already have one.

That solution, however, exposes a greater problem with the depth in New England's secondary. If Meriweather moves, then the team is hurting behind aging vet Rodney Harrison, who's suffered a spate of injuries in recent seasons, and James Sanders.

So, it's almost certain the team is going to look for some help in the secondary this weekend. Where exactly will they be looking? Your guess is as good as anyone's.

Day 1 possibilities: The big-name first rounders are all in play. Leodis McKelvin from Troy State has playmaker potential and special teams promise. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie from Tennessee State, the cousin of San Diego's Antonio Cromartie, has big upside, but played at a small school. Mike Jenkins from Florida is talent with character concerns. Aqib Tailb from Kansas led the Big 12 in interceptions, but hasn't been as consistent as some would like. All of them have worked out with the Patriots.

But keep your eyes open in the second round. ESPN's Todd McShay has New England taking Oklahoma's Reggie Smith at No. 62. And guess what? Smith has spent time at safety and corner. You know what that makes him? Versatile. And what's Belichick's favorite word (that we're allowed to say in the newspaper)? Versatile.

Day 2 possibilities: Terrance Wheatley from Colorado has reportedly participated in a Pats' workout, and should be available in the fifth round. But despite his talent he's suffered a series of injuries (like the one that put a metal plate in his wrist), which could be a deterrent. Boston College safety Jamie Silva, an undersized overachiever, is hardly a combine stud, but has a reputation for superior effort that may make him worthy of a late-round look.